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It is very important to start early when it comes to learning good dental hygiene habits.  One of the important techniques is learning how to brush your teeth.  Parents can help their children learn the proper brushing techniques by:

1. Watch your child as he/she brushes their teeth.  Parents should be proactive with reminding their children to brush their teeth after breakfast and before bed.  When your child is brushing his/her teeth, watch closely to ensure they are brushing the front, back and top surfaces of all teeth.
2. Use disclosing tablets.  Disclosing tablets can be purchased at most drug stores.  Your child can chew a disclosing tablet and then spit out their residual saliva.  All of the areas with biofilm (plaque) will be colored (usually red).  This will help guide your child to see the areas that need to be brushed.
3. Set a timer for two minutes every time they brush.  If you set a timer for two minutes each time your child brushes their teeth, that will help ensure that they are brushing their teeth the appropriate amount of time.
4. Guide them in areas that they miss.  Once your child is done brushing their teeth, check their teeth (especially if they used disclosing tablets) to see if there are any areas that they missed.  If there are missed areas, gently guide them with their toothbrush to re-visit those missed areas.
5. Reinforce good brushing techniques.  When your child has mastered their brushing technique and has removed dental biofilm effectively, reinforce them with verbal praise, a hug, or a pat on the back.  

Until your child is able to tie their own shoes, remember to help them brush and floss. Don’t forget to schedule a check-up every 6 months to pinpoint any underlying problems before they have the chance to turn into something bigger!

Posted on behalf of:
Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD
1820 The Exchange SE #600
Atlanta, GA 30339